Alternative to ASIO for foobar in VISTA

[tirthankar]

I had been facing a problem with using ASIO in foobar with my sigmatel onboard audio.

For XP there is an alternative in kernel streaming, but that doesnt work in vista because of the different sound architecture in vista.

I am now using another plugin called WASAPI(Windows Audio Session API), similar to kernel streaming, and I am happy to say that I am quite satisfied with it. The only issue is that windows volume control does not work, and you have to control volume either through foobar or the speakers. Note, it will work only with VISTA.

Also for those who use software resamplers, I am now using a different resampler than SSRC based on SOX.

Sound quality is pretty good with WASAPI+SOX, though it appears that the highs are being clipped a bit compared to ASIO+SSRC, and the bass is a bit louder, though not bloated, but more pronounced.

Anyways my sound system out here is nothing special itself, as I am listening on Logitech X230+sigmatel onboard .. so i am not in much of a position to judge the nuances. but i feel it is better to listen to..the instruments feel more spaced out and smoother overall, though it may vary across different speakers and soundcards.

Also foobar with WASAPI+SOX is using much less resources than previously. so im ahappier with that too

Those willing to try it out can find the two here..

SOX resampler ----> SOX 0.3.2

WASAPI plugin for foobar ----> WASAPI 1.2

As a last note, for those using External DACs, WASAPI is said to give better output than ASIO, though I have not been able to try it out .

 

[FaH33m]

errr Kernel streaming works for me in Vista SP4 x64.

after installing "foo_out_ks.dll " in components Ive selected DS(direct sound):speakers in the Ouput section of foobar.

isnt that supposed to be kernel streaming ?:ashamed:

EDIT: i guess i am doing it wrong, there should be a option regarding KS :... which i cant find..

@tirthankar thanks on the heads-up.. will try SOX + WASAPI 1.2

 

[titana]

I find no difference in quality between asio and wasapi.

asio has better support for 24 bit audio, so I prefer that.

@FaH33m : you were using Directsound (DS). Windows vista doesnot have kmixer so u cannot bypass(Kstream= KS) it.

 

[BaaliSoda]

I am using WASAPI on Vista x64 for the past 6 months, excellent bit perfect audio quality output.

Tried ASIO as well but WASAPI is much better in lower bit rate FLAC files(even lower bit rate MP3s and AACs)